PM may intervene if World Cup bidding war breaks out

Prime Minister John Key may intervene if a bidding war breaks out between Maori Television Service (MTS) and TVNZ over Rugby World Cup television coverage.

Both state funded broadcasters have submitted competing bids to screen 16 live free-to-air games from the 2011 cup in New Zealand, using taxpayer money.

The Government-backed TVNZ bid was put in at the last minute seeking to gazump MTS.

That angered Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples and in response iwi said they may stump up further cash for the MTS bid.

As NZPA reported yesterday increased bids would be considered by the International Rugby Board (IRB).

Mr Key today said he had not been advised of any iwi actually pledging cash, though there had been reports up to $1.5 million had already been offered.

Asked repeatedly if the government would step in Mr Key said he would "wait and see".

"Let's see how things play out," he said.

"At this point we don't have a particular proved bid and there's more water to flow under the bridge."

Dr Sharples vehemently disagreed there was any need for another bid, given MTS would be willing to subcontract rights.

He said the problem seemed to be a lack of confidence in MTS, concern about some use of Maori language and around promotion of ticket sales.

Mr Key said some ministers were worried about promotion issues and MTS' ability to reach viewers leading up to 2011.

"Obviously promotion of the Rugby World Cup is very important, and that is one aspect that needs to be taken into consideration."

MTS had a good name and he did have confidence in it, he said.

The problem was with the bidding process, and Cabinet should have got together to thrash it out.

It was important all New Zealanders had the chance to see free-to-air cover of "the biggest sporting event that New Zealand will have ever hosted".

He had was not considering pulling $3m for the MTS bid - funded from Te Puni Kokiri (Ministry for Maori Development) money set aside to foster Maori development, not its operational spending.

Mr Key was comfortable with use of TPK money and accepted there were pluses for promotion of Maori language culture and business outcomes.

The Government would not be asking MTS to withdraw its bid.

- NZPA